Key Takeaways
• On May 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th ECAB airlifted three Coast Guard buoys.
• The CH-47 Chinook helicopter moved the buoys across Chesapeake and Delaware Bays to support safe navigation.
• This joint operation highlighted cooperation between the Pennsylvania National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard for public safety.
On May 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade took part in a team effort with the U.S. Coast Guard. They used their large CH-47 Chinook helicopter to move three important buoys across the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay. This operation shows how different parts of the military can work together to get the job done and help keep America’s waterways safe and open. The mission started at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, the main base for the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
The Pennsylvania National Guard’s aviation team showed how their skills and aircraft can do many types of jobs, not just for the state of Pennsylvania but for the nation as a whole. When the U.S. Coast Guard needed help moving large, heavy buoys, the Pennsylvania National Guard and its aviation experts stepped in without hesitation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this partnership is a great example of government groups working as one to keep people, boats, and property safe.
Teamwork in Action: Pennsylvania National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard
The mission in May was more than just moving buoys. It was about bringing together the strong points of both the Pennsylvania National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard. Each team brought its own skills and equipment to the table, making the operation successful and smooth from start to finish.
What Happened During the Mission
On that spring day, soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade prepared their CH-47 Chinook helicopter. This is one of the biggest helicopters in the U.S. military, known for being able to carry heavy loads over long distances. The helicopter crew lifted each buoy—used for marking important spots in the water—out of the staging area at Fort Indiantown Gap and flew them to the waiting U.S. Coast Guard team.
The Coast Guard uses buoys to mark safe navigation channels, warn of shallow spots, and help in recovery or rescue missions. These buoys can be large and very heavy, which means special equipment is needed to move them.
During the flight, the Chinook’s crew kept in close contact with both their own command and the Coast Guard team on the ground. Each step was carefully planned, showing the skill and focus required from both military branches to complete the job safely and without problems.
Why Did They Move the Buoys?
The Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay are busy waterways with lots of ship traffic every day. Keeping the buoys in their right positions is a big part of making sure boats and ships can travel safely. Hurricanes, storms, and strong tides can sometimes push these heavy buoys out of place.
When this happens and it’s not possible for the Coast Guard to move the buoys by boat—maybe because of their size or the distance—they call for help from partners with heavy-lift aircraft, like the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. By combining their forces, the Coast Guard and National Guard keep ports, cargo ships, fishing boats, and pleasure boats moving safely.
The 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade: Who Are They?
The 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, often called the 28th ECAB, is a key part of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Army units. They operate from Muir Army Airfield at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania. This brigade is known for having a variety of helicopters, each designed for special jobs:
- AH-64 Apache: A powerful attack helicopter used in combat situations.
– UH-60 Black Hawk: A flexible helicopter for moving troops, supplies, or in rescue missions. - UH-72 Lakota: A light helicopter for use in the United States, including search and rescue.
- CH-47 Chinook: The heavy-lift helicopter used when big or heavy things, like the navigational buoys, need to be moved.
This brigade’s history goes back to June 1, 1959, when it was first formed as the 28th Aviation Company. Its main base then was the Capital City Airport in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. From its early days to now, the unit has taken on many different tasks both in the U.S. and in other countries.
They have helped people during natural disasters, provided support after storms, and flown missions in places like Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Here at home, they have helped respond to wildfires, floods, and health emergencies.
The recent mission with the U.S. Coast Guard continues their long record of being available whenever help is needed—and for many different kinds of missions.
How This Operation Was Organized
The planning for joint missions like this starts with a need. In this case, the U.S. Coast Guard needed to move very large buoys to new spots in busy waterways. The Coast Guard has ships and small aircraft, but for the biggest and heaviest jobs, they look to military partners who have helicopters like the CH-47 Chinook.
The 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade received the request because of their reputation for safe, reliable work, and their base’s location so close to the target areas. Commanders from both the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Coast Guard planned out every part of the mission, including safety checks, flight paths, and how the buoys would be moved from ground to air.
On the day of the mission, all teams met at Fort Indiantown Gap. The helicopter’s crew went through final checks. Coast Guard workers double-checked the buoys and equipment. In close teamwork, the crews worked fast and carefully. Once each buoy was in place, the Chinook took off and delivered them to the correct locations. The Coast Guard then made the final adjustments in the water.
Documenting the Operation
Sergeant 1st Class Zane Craig of the Pennsylvania National Guard was there to document the mission. He took photos and wrote about the teamwork for official reports and public release. Some of his images were shared on May 13, 2025, showing the Chinook in flight and the partnership between the two services.
You can view these official reports and images by visiting the Pennsylvania National Guard’s website.
This kind of documentation is more than just keeping a record—it also helps build trust with the public. It shows that military teams take their duties seriously and are using their skills and resources in ways that help everyone.
Lasting Impact of the Mission
While moving three buoys may sound simple, this operation made a real difference. It strengthened the working relationship between the Pennsylvania National Guard’s aviation brigade and the U.S. Coast Guard. Both teams learned from each other’s ways of working and built friendships that will help them stand together in future emergencies.
Here’s why this collaboration matters:
- Faster Response: By working together, teams can act quickly during emergencies such as storms or maritime accidents.
- Safer Waterways: Well-placed buoys make it safer for all kinds of boats and ships, helping avoid wrecks or getting lost.
- Better Preparedness: Practicing these joint missions keeps both the National Guard and Coast Guard ready for bigger challenges in the future, like evacuations or disaster relief.
The work of military units can sometimes seem distant from our daily lives. But these efforts help keep key infrastructure running, especially when emergencies strike, and highlight how much we rely on skilled people and advanced equipment.
Cooperation Makes a Difference
For many years, the Pennsylvania National Guard has proven that its units are not just for fighting overseas but also for helping out in emergencies at home. Their aviation brigade, especially the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, provides critical support that can be called on for a wide range of missions.
The partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays is one of many times these teams have come together for the public good. As seen in this recent operation, working together saves time, money, and—most importantly—lives.
The Role of the U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for keeping the nation’s waters safe, supporting law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection. They take care of everything from helping people in trouble at sea to removing dangerous debris after storms.
Sometimes, the U.S. Coast Guard needs help to handle jobs that are just too large for their normal resources. When that happens, they ask for support from other trusted military or government partners like the Pennsylvania National Guard.
Historic Ties and Ongoing Efforts
Since 1959, the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade has worked in all sorts of places—both at home in Pennsylvania and in challenging areas across the world. Their list of service includes natural disasters, overseas military missions, search and rescue, and now, supporting the Coast Guard by moving heavy equipment.
Not every day is a combat mission for these units. Most days are about readiness and working together with other agencies, sharing knowledge, and practicing skills. The May 2025 operation was well-organized and professional, showing best practices for joint operations among U.S. military branches.
Conclusion: A Model for the Future
In summary, the partnership between the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade and the U.S. Coast Guard sets a strong example for future teamwork. When different parts of the military and government work together, everyone benefits. Using their top-of-the-line helicopters, skilled crews, and years of experience, they tackled a problem that supports not just military goals but also public safety and economic activity.
Their readiness and dedication remind us that being prepared means much more than just defending the country. It also means taking care of the infrastructure and communities that make daily life possible. The success of this mission will likely lead to more joint operations, improved cooperation, and stronger ties among all organizations involved.
For readers who want to stay updated on missions like these or learn more about what the Pennsylvania National Guard is doing, the best place for official information and recent news is the National Guard’s official news page.
As this operation shows, the sum is greater when military groups like the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade and the U.S. Coast Guard work side by side. It’s about more than helicopters and buoys—it’s about commitment, skill, and a promise to help whenever and wherever needed.
Learn Today
28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade (28th ECAB) → A Pennsylvania National Guard unit specializing in helicopter missions, disaster relief, and overseas support since 1959.
CH-47 Chinook → A heavy-lift military helicopter used for transporting large, heavy equipment and supplies over long distances.
U.S. Coast Guard → A federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, law enforcement, and environmental protection in U.S. waters.
Buoy → A floating device marking navigation channels, dangers, or points of interest to guide marine vessels and support safety.
Fort Indiantown Gap → The main base for the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th ECAB, located in Pennsylvania, used for training and operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
On May 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th ECAB and the U.S. Coast Guard collaborated to airlift three essential buoys. Using their powerful CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the teams ensured safer waterways. This mission exemplifies impressive interagency teamwork, advancing maritime safety, readiness, and disaster preparedness through efficient use of military aviation expertise.
— By VisaVerge.com
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